In the Halls of Congress -- An Immigration Policy Update
Sara Ibrahim is the Policy Impact Coordinator for Project Voice.
Full Article:
The Senate plans to introduce an immigration bill in late January or February followed by a House bill. Issues in the upcoming debate include a path to permanent residency and citizenship for undocumented immigrants, guest worker programs, employer sanctions, and border enforcement.
The recent workplace raids by US Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) in Colorado and other states, as well as the Secure Fence Act, indicate a failed enforcement-only approach. In a national statement released in January, more than 100 human rights organizations across the country urged President Bush to issue an executive order that declares an immediate moratorium on community and worksite raids by ICE
The Senate and House also introduced the Agricultural Job Opportunities, Benefits and Security Act of 2007 known as AgJOBS. The two-part bill would create a pilot program for status adjustment for farm workers who have worked in the US for two years or more and change the H-2A program for seasonal agricultural workers.
Please visit AFSC's immigration policy blog, "Legislative Link" for timely updates and further information on ways to get involved in this critical human and civil rights issue.
